The Bermuda National Trust said they welcome Public Works Minister Lt/Col David Burch’s “decision to renew the lease of the Bascome family at Westover Farm, Sandys and of his intention to extend all lapsed agricultural leases of Government land to 21 years less one day.”

“The Trust believes that the preservation of arable land as open space, and the maintenance of working farms as a means of giving Bermuda a minimum level of food security, is vital for Bermuda’s long term sustainability,” the BNT said.

Bermuda National Trust President Alana Anderson [pictured] said: “We welcome the fact that not only will farmers see their leases renewed, but that they will be renewed for more than two decades.

“This means that these 13 vital open spaces will also be preserved for 20 years and will be available for the next generation of farmers.

“We also urge the Ministry, as landlord, to encourage farmers to use best practices, and where possible, to introduce sustainable farming methods which will ensure that Bermuda’s arable land will be healthy and productive for many years to come.”